Maroku and The Victors release Kgalema Ntate

GASEBALWE SERETSE
Staff Writer | Wednesday July 14, 2010 00:00

Although it sounds like many other gospel albums produced locally, it is saved by the powerful voices of the vocalists, especially that of Maroku, the lead singer.

Other vocalists are Cathrine Lesenya (soprano), Veliminah Lesenya (alto), Khumoyame Gaonewe (alto) and Obusitswe Sethibe (tenor).

As mentioned before, while Kgalema Ntate cannot be described as an exceptional album, this group has to be commended for their good vocals.

Maroku has an interesting vocal range and there is no doubt that if he gets the right producer, he has the potential to be a leading gospel artist in the country.

The Victors deserve a pat on their backs for penning their own songs and as such, they do not have a traditional hymn or chorus in their album, a great move indeed.

Having said that, The Victors have not been able to avoid the pitfall that has affected many local gospel artists-they all sound the same and greatly lack creativity. Botswana needs daring artists who can breakaway from the traditional mould when it comes to gospel. They have to come up with 'unconventional' approaches that are more challenging and engaging instead of going for the same old and stale sound that dominated the scene since gospel went commercial.

One can only hope that in the future, the youthful Maroku and his team would collaborate with artists such as Testify who has given local gospel music what Kirk Franklin gave to American gospel.

The sleeve of the album, which is designed by Douglas Israel is also disappointing in that the lead singer is captured in the posture that is commonplace in gospel literature- the one that showcases the subject with hands outstretched heavenward as if to receive a gift from God.

Israel could have done better, the sleeve is a shoddy job and it would appear as if it was done hurriedly.

Graphic designers tasked with making sleeves for albums must know that despite the old saying, 'Do not judge a book by its cover', good sleeves can help make an album fly off shelves.

All in all, Kgalema Ntate is a brave attempt and if Maroku and his group manage to be around for longer they should be able to win many fans.  As mentioned before, they have captivating voices and all they need to do is to be more creative and explorative.